Gothic or pointed arches are formed from two segmental arches leaning together to form a point. The three named styles of types of Gothic arch are defined by the way they are set out. The Equilateral, Dropped and Lancet arch as they are known describe the relation between span and height across the arch. Send a simple sketch or digital photo of your requirements and we will produce CAD drawings for your approval.

As with the segmental arch, each half of the Gothic arch describes a segment of a circle and again has all the same basic features as the flat arch except that each curved extrados and intrados radiate from the same focal point. Measure the face height along any long joint line radiating from soffit to head.

The Gothic arch may feature a profiled hood around the extrados called the label course which often projects from the face brickwork. This feature is often used as a weathering over an opening and can sometimes have a lead work dressing over.

To specify a gothic arch you will need the following information. When measuring period property it is useful to measure the work, using the system in which it was built. Typically, before 1970 in the UK work was built using Imperial dimensions E.g. 4 courses per foot or in metric, 4 course per 305mm:

Brick type & colour

A digital image of similar arches on the property or nearby

Opening span

Camber rise to the centre of the arch at the soffit. Typically a fixed number of full courses, (measured at the centre from the lowest points of the arch).

Face height, (measured along any long joint line radiating from soffit to head)

Joint width

Number of voussoirs (complete tapered sections from Intrados up to Extrados counted across the arch).

Bond pattern, (the horizontal joint pattern across the arch)

Soffit depth (from front to back)

Brick finish (rubbed or sand faced)

We will also need to know whether the arch will have any special features such as a keystone or carved soffit. If you are not sure call us on 01787 269132 for advice or email your enquiry to info@brickcutters.com

Note: The radius of each arc, (the distance from the intrados to the focus), can be calculated from the chord length and the maximum height or distance from the chord at the centre of the curve.